At home.

Among the trees.

Those eyes…He was trying to ignore me, staring up off into the distance. Windows to his soul. <3

Those silly smiles…She was trying to run away from the “monsters in basement”. Obviously she believed they were there as much as I did

I always seem to be saying each week that the theme of the Paint The Moon 52 coincides so perfectly with our own. Well, this week, not only did they coincide with our week, but they also complimented each other as well.

On Friday, Molly was hanging out on my parents’ couch playing a game on my mom’s iPhone. I snuck up on her with my camera and she looked up…

22/52/Portrait – Just Molly.
Theme: Untouched and Solo

…then? I tickled her.

22/52/Life – Molly + Tickles.
Theme: Pure Joy

This was a week of exploring, wilderness exploring to be exact.

The kids had a great time and Molly did her fair share of mouse spotting.

And while it’s good to be adventurous, it’s always better when you bring along a friend.

We are road tripping again.

It always amazes me how the simple motion of a car can cause so much peaceful silence…

…and how a simple paper and pencil can cause so many joyful smiles.

Life’s full of little reminders this week.

Like when Molly declared her first tooth fell out at 9pm at night, I had to remind the tooth fairy to come for a late night visit.

And when today we were at my Mom’s house smelling the new fuchsia we bought for her new porch? I was reminded that I just happen to know the two most beautiful ladies on the planet.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Hanging at the park this week, the kids did a little rock lounging…

…and climbing…

…and soaring.

Thomas’ 8th birthday was “the best day ever” completely decked out in homemade minecraft goodness.

When it was time to blow out the candles, Thomas was cool and relaxed (this week’s “life photo” theme), thinking, “Oh yeah, I’ve got this.”

He even posed for some silly cake mining shots:

After chowing down on food that was strictly the shape of blocks (thanks, grandma for making the requested meatcubes!), it was time for presents.

That is where the unexpected (this week’s “portrait photo” theme) came along…

He lost it completely, I’ve never seen his face light up at a gift like that before. “You got me this??”

Happy Birthday, my big man. Not so tiny anymore. <3

It was a week of firsts around here, all three kids got new beds!

Well, I suppose more accurately Molly got a new bed and the boys got theirs bunked.

Molly was quite happy about it.

And, even though I had to sneak up on him in his top bunk to get a picture…

I got a smile of approval from Thomas too.

I always find it funny how our natural progression of our week always fits the PTM themes. Even this week.

We did a little off-roading of our own during the race on Friday. Thom in the car, and Molly out of it. She climbed to the top of this huge rock, sat down, and declared herself winner of the race. (This weeks portrait theme was copycat/it’s a sign)

The life theme for week 14 is “What home means to me.” And even though we are traveling and away from home we always bring home with us. A couple nights ago, Molly fell asleep on our bed while we were getting ready to settle in for the night. Marcus must have caught a glimpse of her and thought he needed to join in. As he snuggled himself under her arm and drifted off to sleepy land, I chuckled, knowing I had my photo. <3